Cuff link lock

ABSTRACT

The lock includes a spiral member surrounding the cuff link pivot arm, the member being movable into an operative position in the way of both sides of the cuff link post and into an inoperative position clear of one side of the post to permit free pivoting of the arm. In one embodiment the member has portions disposed in an arm guideway and an end portion engages spaced shoulders on the arm to inhibit inadvertent removal therefrom, while in another embodiment no guideway is provided and opposite end portions of the member prevent inadvertent removal from the arm.

United States Patent [191 Bodkin [54] CUFF LINK LOCK [76] Inventor: Lawrence E. Bodkin, 1833 Ryan R0ad,Jacksonville, Fla. 3221 l [22] Filed: May 3, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 139,790

[52] US. Cl ..24/97 [51] Int. Cl ..A4lc 19/00 [58] Field of Search ..24/2l2, 100, 97,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,093,123 9/1937 Hone ..'..24/102 1 Apr. 10, 1973 Primary Examiner-Francis K. Zugel Assistant Examiner-Garry Moore Attorney-George H. Baldwin and Arthur G. Yeager 5 7 ABSTRACT The lock includes a spiral member surrounding the cuff link pivot arm, the member being movable into an operative position in the way of both sides of the cuff link post and into an inoperative position clear of one side of the post to permit free pivoting of the arm. In one embodiment the member has portions disposed in an arm guideway and an end portion engages spaced shoulders on the arm to inhibit inadvertent removal therefrom, while in another embodiment no guideway is provided and opposite end portions of the member prevent inadvertent removal from the arm.

23 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures curs LINK LOCK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to cuff link locks and more particularly to a modified cuff link and lock combina' tion and to a lock attachment for existing cuff links.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART There have been some attempts in the prior art to provide for an appropriate lock for cuff links to maintain same securely fastened in clothing openings. Among the prior art the following patents were found in the novelty search: US. Pat. Nos. l,333,228; 2,501,151; 2,586,434; 2,879,321; and 3,350,749. While there are various problems with the arrangements disclosed in the above patents, such problems are substantially alleviated in accord with this invention as hereinafter more fully described and none of the above patents disclose or suggest the invention claimed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one of the aspects of this invention the cuff link includes a head, a laterally extending post having a retaining arm pivotally mounted to the free post end portion for movement between a longitudinally aligned inoperative and non-retaining position and a transverse operative retaining position. The movable locking means in accord with this invention is carried by the arm and includes a portion selectively movable into a first position, when the arm is in its operative position, in the way of the post thereby to lock the arm against movement into its inoperative position. The locking means portion is movable into a second positionout of the way of the post thereby to free the arm for movement between its inoperative and operative positions.

Other aspects of the invention are disclosed wherein the locking means is a coiled or spiral member and the arm includes a guideway for receiving a portion of the spiral member to guide same as it is moved with respect to the arm. The spiral member includes stop means for inhibiting inadvertent removal from the arm. The stop means may be formed by one end portion thereof engaging spaced shoulders of the arm or by opposite end portions engageable with opposite arm end portions. In the latter instance, the spiral member may be attached .to the common type of cuff link buttons that are prevalent on the current market whether the same includes a round or flat retaining arm.

A general object of the present invention is to provide an improved cuff link and lock combination and an improved lock attachment for cuff links.

A particular object is the provision of a locking member for cuff links which is selectively manipulated by the user after insertion of the post through the shirt cuff openings and pivoting of the cuff link retaining arm.

Another particular object is to provide an improved locking member which is positive in function to prevent inadvertent pivoting of the cuff link retaining arm without release of the locking member from its operative position.

A specific object is the provision of a locking member readily attachable to existing cuff links and after attachment is not susceptible of inadvertent detachment therefrom.

Another specific object is to provide an improved locking member which is resilient and not easily worn out or breakable.

Other specific objects are to provide an improved locking member which is easily constructed, inexpensively manufactured, anddurable and efficient to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a cuff link and lock combination in accord with the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the combination of FIG. 1; a

FIG. 3 is a partial view similar to FIG. 1 and showing the lock in its unlocked position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the arm in its position generally in alignment with the post;

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial left side elevational view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevational view of a cuff link lock in accord with the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a left side elevational view taken along line 9-9 ofFIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a partial left side elevational view similar to FIG. 6, of a cuff link and lock in accord with the third embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the cuff link and lock combination is generally designated by reference numeral 20 is FIGS. 1 and 2 and is seen to comprise a head 21 of any desired shape and decora tion, an elongated post 22 which is attached at one end portion 23 to head 21, and a retaining arm 24 pivotally mounted to the bifuricated other end portion 25 in a conventional manner. Arm 24 is movable between a longitudinally aligned position with post 22, which is the inoperative and non-retaining position of arm 24, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, to a transverse operative and retaining position with respect to post 22, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6, in such position arm 24 is generally disposed parallel to head 21.

The movable locking means in accord with the invention is designated by reference numeral 30 and is carried by arm 24. Locking means 30 includes a portion 31 selectively movable into a first position, when arm 24 is in its transverse operative position, in the way of both sides 26 and 27 of post upper end portion 25 thereby to lock arm 24 against movement into its longitudinally aligned inoperative position, as seen in position, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4and 5, so that portion 31 is'out of the way of one side 26 of post upper end portion 25, arm 24 is free and may be moved in the direction of arrow 33 between its operative position, shown in FIG. 3, and its inoperative position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In attaching the cuff link 20 in the clothing cuff openings (not shown), arm 24 is initially aligned with post 22, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and after insertion of post arm 24, locking means 30 and post 22 through such cuff openings, arm 24 is pivoted into its transverse position shown in FIG. 3 by moving arm 24 in 2.

direction opposite to the direction of arrow 33 and 1 thereafter locking means 30 is moved in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow 32 to dispose portion 31 in the way of post 22 whereby arm 24 is locked and may not be pivoted into its longitudinal position.

The locking means 30 in accord with the first embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 7, is seen to include an elongated coiled or spiral member 34 externally surrounding arm 24, arm 24 being provided with a guideway 35 for receiving a coiled portion 36 therein. The guideway 35 may comprise a plurality of slots or indentations 37 and 38 formed'in the bulging or protruding portion 39 of arm 24. While portion 39 is shown as being located on the upper side 40 of the cylindrical arm 24, such portion 39 may be disposed or positioned adjacent the head 21 or be located on the under side 41 of the arm 24.

The coiled member 34 is seen to closely encircle and engage the underside 41 of arm 24 andprotruding portion 39, shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6 while the coiled member 34 is spaced from the side wall portions 42 and 43, shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. The sliding friction between the coiled member 34 and the arm 24 and protruding portion 39 should be minimized to permit ready manipulation thereof by the user but should be sufficient to inhibit inadvertent movement thereof which may tend to move same from its operative to its inoperativepositions.

During a twisting movement of coiled member 34, the guideway 35 guides the initial turn end portion 45 into its position in the way of and in contact with the front face 46 of post portion 47 while another portion 48 iscontacting the rear face 49 of post portion 50. When this occurs, the arm 24 may not be pivoted from its operative retaining position to its inoperative position without end portion 45 being clear or out of the way of face 46. Normally the coiled member is twisted further so that portion 31 is engaged with the face 46 as generally indicated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6.

Coiled member 34 includes stop means in the form of an end 52 which is bent-to extend generally in the direction of arm 24. End 52 engages a pair of spaced shoulders 53 and 54 formed in or by protruding portion 39, as most clearly shown in FIG. 6. When end 52 is in its broken line position 55, the coiled member 34 is fully locked and the end engages shoulder 54. In the unlocked position of coiled member 34, end 52 assumes broken line position 56 whereby the coiled member is in its fully unlocked position. Thus, the end 52 functions to permit limited rotational or twisting movement of coiled member 34 between its fully locked and unlocked positions and inadvertent dislodgment of the member 34 from the arm is inhibited.

It is to be understood that the more narrow turn opposite end portion 57 would and could function in combination with slot 38 to stop or prevent continued twisting of member 34, so that the coiled member 34 would not be inadvertently removed from arm 24.

The embodiment of the invention disclosed in FIG. 10 is generally the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 7 and corresponding parts are identified with prime numerals. The protruding portion 39 is generally flattened and the shoulders 53' and 54' form more positive stops for engagement by end 52' of coiled member 34 as would be clearly evident from FIG. 10.

Another embodiment of this invention is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in which the locking means 60, in the form of a coiled or spiral member 61, encircles and is carried by a flattened pivot arm 62 of another type of cuff link 63, the head of which is not shown, but the spaced posts 64 and 65 are shown which pivotally mount arm 62. While coiled member 61 is mounted on a flattened arm 62, it is to be understood that it may be readily attached to the common cylindrical arm, such as arm 24 with or without bludging portion 39 shown in FIGS. 1 7 without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is intended that the embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 be useable on various types and shapes of cuff links or buttons available on the market, but these various types would include a post and a pivoting arm mounted thereto with the locking coiled member being carried by the arm.

With the coiled member portion 66 in the way of post 65 and portion 67 in the way of post 64, arm 62 cannot be pivoted from its retaining and operative' transverse position, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, to its inoperative longitudinally aligned position with posts 64 and 65, as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in connection with arm 24.

Stop means in the form of end portions 68 and 69 are provided for the locking means 60 and are integral with coiled member 61, such end portions 68 and 69 being respectively engageable with spaced shoulders 70 and 71 of arm 62. While shoulder 71 is shown as being engageable with end portion 69 of coiled member 61, it is to be understood that, if the locking means were attached to a cylindrical arm, such as shown by24 in FIGS. 1 7, the tapered end 82, for example, may be considered the shoulder which engages stop means end portion 69 of coiled member 61. Furthermore, the coiled member 61 may terminate approximately adjacent the lead line to numeral 60. In that event the close and/or closed turn 73 would inhibit inadvertent removal of the coiled member since such turn 73 could not, without a large amount of twisting force, span the upper end portions of posts 64 and 65.

Stop end portion 68 includes a stop element 75 which is designed to engage shoulder 70 of arm 62, as shown by broken lines 77 in FIG. 8, and another element 76 which is primarily used and functions as a stop on the cylindrical tapered end portion 83, for example,

as shown in FIG. 2.

The coiled member 34 or 61 is preferably resilient so that any temporary deformation by an external force will not permanently damage same unless the elastic limits are exceeded. For example, a force on the arm 24 which would tend to align same with post 22 will be re-.

the arm 24 will be forced back in its operative position, shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9, by member 34.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirt of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new and what it is desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a cuff link having an elongated post and a retaining arm pivotally mounted to one of its end portions for movement between a longitudinally aligned inoperative non-retaining position and a transverse operative retaining position, the improvement comprising a manually movable non'yieldably locking means carried by said arm and having a portion movable into a first non-yieldably and locked position when said arm is in said operative position in the way of said post for non-yieldably locking said am against pivotal movement into said inoperative position, said portion being movable into a second unlocked position out of the way of said post for freeing said arm for unhindered pivotal movement between said inoperative and operative positions. I

2. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said movable locking means comprises an elongated spiral member.

3. In the cuff link as defined in claim 2'wherein said arm includes a guideway for receiving a portion of said elongated spiral member to guide same as it is moved with respect to said arm.

4. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said movable locking means comprises an elongated coiled member externally surrounding said arm.

5. In the cuff link as defined in claim 4 wherein said arm includes a guideway formed in the external surface of said arm, said coiled member having a portion seated in said guideway to guide said coiled memberduring movement of said coiled member with respect to said arm.

6. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking means includes stop means for inhibiting inadvertent removal of said locking means from said arm.

7. In the cuff link as defined in claim 6 wherein said locking means includes a coiled member having opposite end portions, said end portions being formed to and constituting said stop means.

8. In the cuff link as defined in claim 6 wherein said arm includes a pair of spaced shoulders, said stop means respectively engaging said shoulders to inhibit inadvertent removal of said locking means from said arm.

9. In the cuff link as defined in claim 8 wherein said locking means includes a coiled member having an end portion constituting said stop means.

10. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking means comprises a resilient coiled member.

11. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking means includes an elongated coiled member having a plurality of spaced turns, one said turn being sufficiently spaced from an adjacent said turn to permit said one turn to be positioned on both sides of said post adjacent said arm.

12. In the cuff link as defined in claim 11 wherein said arm includes a guideway for receiving a portion of a turn therein thereby to guide said coiled member as it is moved with respect to said arm.

13. A selectively operable positive and unyielding lock attachment for a cuff link having an elongated post with a pivotal arm on one end for movement between an inoperative non-retaining position longitudinally aligned with said post and an operative retaining position extending transversely of said post comprising manually movable non-yieldalbly locking means disposable on and carried by said pivotal arm, said locking means having a portion movable into a first non-yieldably locking position when said pivotal arm is in its operative position in the way of said post to nonyieldably lock said pivotal arm against pivotal movement into its inoperative position, said portion when said pivotal arm is in its operative position movable into a second position out of the way of said post thereby to free said pivotal arm for unhindered movement into its inoperative position.

14. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means comprises an elongated spiral member.

15. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means comprises an elongated coiled member adapted to externally surround a pivotal arm.

16. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means comprises a resilient coiled member.

17. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means includes stop means for inhibiting inadvertent removal of said locking means from a pivotal arm after attachment thereto.

'18. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 17 wherein said locking means includes a coiled member having opposite end portions, said end portions being fonned to and constituting said stop means.

19. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 17 wherein said arm includes a pair of spaced portions, said stop means respectively engaging said portions to inhibit inadvertent removal of said locking means from a pivotal arm after attachment thereto.

20. In the lock attachment asdefined in claim 13 wherein said locking means includes a coiled member having an end portion adapted to engage an end portion of a pivotal arm and constituting a stop means for said locking means.

21. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 20 wherein said coiled member has an opposite end portion adapted to engage another end portion of a pivotal arm and constituting another stop means for said locking means.

22. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 retaining arm pivotally mounted to one of its end portions for movement between a longitudinally aligned inoperative non-retaining position and a transverse operative retaining position, the improvement comprising a member selectively movable along said arm when said arm is in said retaining position from a first position out of the way of said post upon tilting of said arm from its retaining to its non-retaining position to a second position non-yieldably locking said arm and post against pivotal movement. 

1. In a cuff link having an elongated post and a retaining arm pivotally mounted to one of its end portions for movement between a longitudinally aligned inoperative non-retaining position and a transverse operative retaining position, the improvement comprising a manually movable non-yieldably locking means carried by said arm and having a portion movable into a first nonyieldably and locked position when said arm is in said operative position in the way of said post for non-yieldably locking said arm against pivotal movement into said inoperative position, said portion being movable into a second unlocked position out of the way of said post for freeing said arm for unhindered pivotal movement between said inoperative and operative positions.
 2. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said movable locking means comprises an elongated spiral member.
 3. In the cuff link as defined in claim 2 wherein said arm includes a guideway for receiving a portion of said elongated spiral member to guide same as it is moved with respect to said arm.
 4. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said movable locking means comprises an elongated coiled member externally surrounding said arm.
 5. In the cuff link as defined in claim 4 wherein said arm includes a guideway formed in the external surface of said arm, said coiled member having a portion seated in said guideway to guide said coiled member during movement of said coiled member with respect to said arm.
 6. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking means includes stop means for inhibiting inadvertent removal of said locking means from said arm.
 7. In the cuff link as defined in claim 6 wherein said locking means includes a coiled member having opposite end portions, said end portions being formed to and constituting said stop means.
 8. In the cuff link as defined in claim 6 wherein said arm includes a pair of spaced shoulders, said stop means respectively engaging said shoulders to inhibit inadvertent removal of said locking means from said arm.
 9. In the cuff link as defined in claim 8 wherein said locking means includes a coiled member having an end portion constituting said stop means.
 10. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking means comprises a resilient coiled member.
 11. In the cuff link as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking means includes an elongated coiled member having a plurality of spaced turns, one said turn being sufficiently spaced from an adjacent said turn to permit said one turn to be positioned on both sides of said post adjacent said arm.
 12. In the cuff link as defined in claim 11 wherein said arm includes a guideway for receiving a portion of a turn therein thereby to guide said coiled member as it is moved with respect to said arm.
 13. A selectively operable positive and unyielding lock attachment for a cuff link having an elongated post with a pivotal arm on one end for movement between an inoperative non-retaining position longitudinally aligned with said post and an operative retaining position extending transversely of said post comprising manually movable non-yieldably locking means disposable on and carried by said pivotal arm, said locking means having a portion movable into a first non-yieldably locking position when said pivotal arm is in its operative position in the way of said post to non-yieldably lock said pivotal arm against pivotal movement into its inoperative position, said portion when said pivotal arm is in its operative position movable into a second position out of the way of said post thereby to free said pivotal arm for unhindered movement into its inoperative position.
 14. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means comprises an elongated spiral member.
 15. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means comprises an elongated coiled member adapted to externally surround a pivotal arm.
 16. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means comprises a resilient coiled member.
 17. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means includes stop means for inhibiting inadvertent removal of said locking means from a pivotal arm after attachment thereto.
 18. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 17 wherein said locking means includes a coiled member having opposite end portions, said end portions being formed to and constituting said stop means.
 19. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 17 wherein said arm includes a pair of spaced portions, said stop means respectively engaging said portions to inhibit inadvertent removal of said locking means from a pivotal arm after attachment thereto.
 20. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means includes a coiled member having an end portion adapted to engage an end portion of a pivotal arm and constituting a stop means for said locking means.
 21. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 20 wherein said coiled member has an opposite end portion adapted to engage another end portion of a pivotal arm and constituting another stop means for said locking means.
 22. In the lock attachment as defined in claim 13 wherein said locking means includes an elongated coiled member having a plurality of spaced turns, one said turn being sufficiently spaced from an adjacent said turn and adapted to permit said one turn to be positioned on both sides of a post adjacent a pivOtal arm of a cuff link.
 23. In a cuff link having an elongated post and a retaining arm pivotally mounted to one of its end portions for movement between a longitudinally aligned inoperative non-retaining position and a transverse operative retaining position, the improvement comprising a member selectively movable along said arm when said arm is in said retaining position from a first position out of the way of said post upon tilting of said arm from its retaining to its non-retaining position to a second position non-yieldably locking said arm and post against pivotal movement. 